Monkey Love

During our vacation last week, we visited Affenberg. About 200 Barbary macaques live there in a very large fenced-in forest area, divided into three groups. The monkeys are a joy to watch on their own—arguing, cuddling, playing... But during this visit, we were especially charmed by the little monkey family—Mom, Dad, and their one-week-old baby. They sat right by the path and patiently let all the visitors take their pictures, as if they wanted to proudly show off their baby to the whole world :-)




We also found it fascinating that during mating season, female and male monkeys mate with just about anyone, so that later no one knows who the father is. Nevertheless, the male monkeys devotedly care for “their” offspring. Amazing, isn’t it?

I live in Baden-Württemberg, but we’ve never been there. I can well imagine how beautiful it is there.

Best, Gabi

Dear Gabi, if you don’t live too far away, you should definitely go there sometime. There are also countless storks that return there every year to nest, and there’s a nice garden restaurant there, too. It’s definitely worth a trip :-)

Sonja, you’ve really made me want to go back there with my son’s family the next time we visit them. You took some really beautiful photos. The baby is sooo cute!

Sonja, we were there in June 2017, and there were three little monkeys. I have never seen so many storks at once... a truly wonderful destination for families.
Best regards
Silvia

Monika, yes, you should really go check it out—I’m sure you’d really like the little monkeys!

Silvia, thank you so much for your beautiful photos! Yes, it’s really well-suited for families. 

Thanks for your photos. The monkey family is so cute.

It’s quite a drive to Lake Constance, but I’ll suggest it at our next family dinner. I’ve already checked it out online. 

Affenberg is always worth a visit!
Your photos are really beautiful. This year our Leo is still a little too young, but I think we’ll go there again next summer, when he’s almost 3. It’s only an hour’s drive from us :)

Thanks again for the inspiration.
Ever since your post, I haven’t been able to get Affenberg out of my head.
Since our summer vacation got canceled on the spur of the moment this year, we at least took a little trip there.

Bottom line: Even a nearly 2-year-old thinks it’s great there. He’s still talking all day today about the big and little monkeys.

But: if you want to go there, don’t go on Sundays. Especially not during the holiday season.
And especially not in yesterday’s weather. (Dry, but too cold for the pool, etc.)

Tina, I can totally imagine how crowded it was last Sunday... And then there were school vacations in Baden-Württemberg, phew ;-) But I’m glad you all—and especially Leo—enjoyed it anyway! Since you don’t live too far away, maybe you can try going during the week next time :-)

Best regards, Sonja